Soccer Splits With Rangers

Deitie Hale kicks soccer ball.The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s soccer teams split their series with Northwest Mississippi Community College Tuesday, with the women falling to the No. 3 Rangers, 13-0, and the men picking up a 3-2 victory.

In the opener, the Nighthawk women (0-6) fell behind early and could not keep up, allowing six goals in the first half. In the second half, the Nighthawks’ defensive woes continued, allowing seven additional goals while struggling to break into Rangers territory, offensively. Freshman goalkeeper Deitie Hale (Hot Springs) amassed four saves, while sophomore goalkeeper Andreya Reyna (Mexia, Texas) added six saves in defeat.

After falling behind to an early goal in the first 10 minutes, the Nighthawk men (5-0-2) took command of itsPaulo Ndenzako knee dribbles soccer ball in front of goal. match in the first half, with a team-leading third goal of the season from freshman winger Paulo Ndenzako (Memphis, Tennessee), followed by a go-ahead goal from sophomore midfielder Zakariya Abdi (Houston, Texas) midway through the period. Leading, 2-1, at halftime, the Nighthawks struck again in the second half on an unassisted goal from sophomore left back Henry Gomez (Springdale). With less than 20 minutes remaining, Northwest Mississippi struck again, bringing the Rangers within one goal and turning on the pressure, defensively. Despite a late push over the final moments, however, NPC’s defense held strong, preserving NPC’s undefeated start to the season.

NPC men’s soccer faces John Brown University in Siloam Springs Friday, September 15 at 4 p.m. The Nighthawk men and women open NJCAA Region 2 play Saturday, September 23 against University of Arkansas-Cossatot with the women beginning at 3 p.m., followed by men’s action at 5 p.m.

For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.

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